Introduction

It took a while but welcome to the first Pentax lens test here at Photozone.
As usual we'll start with a reference lens, typically 50mm primes and the
Pentax SMC FA 50mm f/1.4 qualifies here. Despite being one of the most
affordable Pentax branded lenses it is also the fastest one in the
current Pentax lens lineup. By now it is a fairly old lens and one of the
few remaining full format Pentax FA lenses. All Pentax tests will be performed
on the K10D - an APS-C DSLR where the FA 50mm has a field-of-view equivalent
to 75mm so it behaves like a moderate tele lens within this scope.

The build quality of the lens is very fine based on very good quality plastics
and a metal mount. The small rubberized focus ring operates very smooth. As you
can see above the lens extends a little bit towards closer focus distances.
The front element does not rotate so using a polarizer is no problem. The lens
has no internal AF motor and relies on a slotted drive screw operated by the camera.
As a result AF operation will generate a moderate degree of noise.
The AF speed is very decent on the K10D.